Shockwave therapy in Ireland: HSE, health insurance and tax relief
General information only. Not medical, insurance or legal advice. Coverage rules and prices change, so confirm with your insurer or public health service (such as the NHS, HSE or Medicare) before booking, and ask your doctor whether a procedure is right for you.
Public route (HSE)
The HSE says your GP might refer you to a physiotherapist for plantar fasciitis. We found no HSE page on shockwave therapy, so it is not clear whether public services offer it where you live.
Private health insurance
- Vhi’s AdvancedCare Extra Day-to-Day plan pays a set amount per physiotherapy visit, for a limited number of visits a year, within the plan’s overall day-to-day limit.
- Irish Life Health’s Sports Cover add-on pays a set amount per visit for a small number of physiotherapist or physical therapist visits, from a CORU-registered therapist.
- Laya Healthcare covers therapies such as physiotherapy if the therapist is a member of a body it recognises.
None of these mention shockwave therapy. Ask your insurer whether a session given by a physiotherapist counts as a physiotherapy visit.
Paying yourself: tax relief
Revenue says physiotherapy or similar treatment can qualify for tax relief at 20% if a practitioner prescribed, referred or advised it, but not if you referred yourself. We could not find anything from Revenue that says whether shockwave therapy counts, so ask Revenue before you rely on it. You can’t claim for amounts your insurer refunded.
If your insurer refuses
Complain to the insurer first, then to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, which is free. See how to appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim tax relief on shockwave therapy in Ireland?
Possibly, if a practitioner prescribed, referred or advised it and it counts as physiotherapy or similar treatment. Relief isn’t allowed if you referred yourself. Ask Revenue to confirm.
What usually comes first
For plantar fasciitis, the NHS suggests rest, supportive shoes, stretching exercises and pain relief first, with a physiotherapist if needed. Shockwave therapy is usually considered only when these have not helped.
- Plantar fasciitis exercise routine
- Calf stretch for plantar fasciitis
- Free printable plantar fasciitis exercise sheet
- Hip pain and bursitis exercise routine
A physiotherapist can tailor an exercise plan to you.
Sources
- HSE: Plantar fasciitis
- Vhi: AdvancedCare Extra Day-to-Day plan
- Irish Life Health: Sports Cover
- Laya Healthcare: Approved therapists
- Revenue: What are qualifying health expenses?
- Revenue Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12: Health expenses
- Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman: Make a complaint
- NHS: Plantar fasciitis
Last checked October 2026. Found something out of date? Email hello@protocolarchive.com.
This page explains how coverage usually works, using public NHS, insurer, ombudsman and government sources listed above. It is general information, not medical, insurance, financial or legal advice, and it does not recommend any treatment, policy or provider. Rules differ by area and by policy and can change, so confirm with your GP, your insurer or the hospital before you decide. Protocol Archive is independent and is not affiliated with the NHS, the HSE or any insurer.